nomenklatura Hear it!

nomenklatura definition

no·men·kla·tura (nō′mən klä to̵or′ə)

noun

  1. the ruling, bureaucratic elite of the former Soviet Union, made up of members of the Communist Party who were chosen by the party to hold positions of leadership and privilege in government and industry
  2. any similar ruling elite

Etymology: Russ, a listing of positions to be filled < L nomenclatura: see nomenclator

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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